Cheryl M. Woodin | Commercial Litigation, Product Liability & Class Actions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto


Bennett Jones Cheryl M. Woodin Partner • Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department Toronto 416.777.6550 woodinc@bennettjones.com Education Queen's University, BA, 1993 University of Toronto, LLB, 1996 Bar Admissions Ontario, 1998 British Columbia, 2022 Cheryl Woodin delivers strategic, practical advocacy in complex, high-stakes litigation. She has developed market-wide recognition for her ability to build and execute litigation strategies that best reflect a client’s strongest positions. Overview Commercial & Regulatory Litigation As Co-Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department, Cheryl is a client-centered problem solver and trusted advocate for high-impact cases. With both jury and non-jury trial experience and appearances at all levels of court in Canada, Cheryl represents some of Canada’s largest companies in their most significant legal disputes, shaping legal outcomes with precision. Cheryl’s experience in the courtroom has resulted in her recognition as one of Benchmark's Top 50 Trial Lawyers in Canada for 2024. Cheryl Woodin acted as a lead counsel in Workman Optometry Professional Corporation v. Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, recognized as one of Lexpert’s Top Ten Business Decisions of 2022–2023. Bennett Jones represented The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company in this business interruption coverage dispute arising out of industry wide claims for pandemic losses pursued in class proceedings. The claim was successfully defended on its merits at trial. The Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal. Product Liability & Class Actions Cheryl is at the forefront of class action claims and multi-jurisdictional disputes in Canada, known for her precedent-setting work in consumer claims and product liability. She has been recognized as Class Action Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Canada and named the Toronto Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Law by Best Lawyers in Canada. Cheryl’s extensive experience spans a variety of industries—including automotive, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, consumer products, and financial services, among others. It also includes a variety of areas of law, including consumer protection laws of all kinds, competition issues, securities and environmental regulation. Industry Leadership & Involvement Cheryl is a highly engaged leader in the legal profession and beyond, actively shaping its future through thought leadership, mentorship, and service. She is a member of The Advocates' Society, including by serving on its Board, the Ontario Bar Association, and the International Association of Defence Counsel. She is also an enthusiastic corporate fundraising committee member for the Guts & Glory event at Covenant House. Cheryl has been adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law and served as Co-Chair of the University of Toronto’s University Tribunal, Trial Division for many years, ending in 2025. A sought-after speaker and recognized authority on litigation strategy, trial advocacy and class action defense, Cheryl regularly presents on civil litigation, risk management and regulatory developments. She clerked for Justice Allen Linden of the Federal Court of Appeal. ,,An exceptionally strong practitioner. Practical, business savvy and client focused.,, — What Clients Say Select Experience • Adventus Mining Corporation in its C$200-million acquisition by Silvercorp Metals by way of plan of arrangement • Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, in its successful defence of a class action alleging violations of the Ontario Securities Act in relation to cryptocurrency products at the trial level and before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. • Directors of Katanga Mining Limited in defence of a proposed representative action commenced on behalf of minority shareholders of Katanga for alleged oppression in relation to Katanga's $7.6 billion rights offering and go-private transaction. • Pharmascience in its successful summary judgment motion dismissing a proposed multi-billion-dollar class action, and in defence of multiple class actions in jurisdictions across the country involving allegations regarding the presence of nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceutical products • Apotex in defence of a class action relating to allegations regarding the presence of nitrosamine impurities in recalled drugs. • Hyundai and Kia in defence of class actions relating to allegations of engine and air bag defects. • General Motors in multiple class actions relating to ignition switches, airbags and other components. • General Motors in class actions arising out of alleged emissions misrepresentations. • Volkswagen, lead Canadian counsel in all class actions arising out of alleged emissions misrepresentations as well as national coordinating counsel for all regulatory and criminal matters. • Volkswagen in competition class actions relating to pricing and design of car components. • Volkswagen in securities class actions related to clean diesel representations. • Travelers in an industry-wide benefits and contract interpretation class action and class actions arising out of COVID-19 business interruption coverage claims. • Tetra Tech in defence of securities class action claim alleging misrepresentation relating to mineral resources and reserves at a mine and processing facility in Mexico owned by Gatos Silver, Inc. • Defending competition claims against various institutional defendants in pharmaceutical, auto and other industries. • Product liability class actions relating to drug and medical devices for manufacturers and distributors. • Banking institutions in competition and misrepresentation class actions. • A mass protest class action arising from 2010 G20 Summit. • A multinational lighting manufacturer in misleading advertising class actions. • Consumer protection class actions relating to billing practices. • Municipalities in class actions related to mass torts, including disease outbreak and liability.